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Dear fellow interns,The InternBoard has been discussing with HR the most pressing issues for the ILO interns, as well as possible solutions to address those. These are the main topics being discussed at the moment: 1 - It is urgent that internships are recognized as 'working experience' rather than 'learning experience'. While discussion continues with HR, the IB has been advised by the Union to request a mandatory certificate clearly recognizing the work we have accomplished during the internship.

2 - The internship's monitoring and feedback tools need to be improved. It is the IB's conviction that at least 3 compulsory meetings (welcome/mid-internship/exit) should be set up during the internship between the intern and the supervisor for mutual feedback. Plus, interns should be surveyed at the end of their internship about their experience at the ILO. 3 - Despite the recent increase of the stipend (thanks to the efforts of former and current interns), the total amount is still not enough to cover the living costs in Geneva. The stipend must be increased to allow equal access to ILO internship scheme regardless of applicants' social and geographic background. 4 - Apply equal or similar internship conditions to field offices’ interns, who seem to be most isolated and vulnerable. It is crucial that we clarify their situation. If you want to learn more about the IB's work or get involved, drop a line below or at internboard@ilo.org.All comments and suggestions are very welcome!